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Tono rice farmers strive to recover from poor harvest, hope for improved season

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Farmers at the Tono Irrigation Scheme are working to recover from the challenges they faced in the previous farming season, particularly the delayed start that significantly affected their yields.

According to Richard Kwame Abokah, Chairman of the Federation of Tono Water Users Association, the early onset of harmattan in November 2024 worsened the situation by impacting crop yields. Speaking in an interview, he explained that some farmers who cultivated pepper are now harvesting and selling their produce to settle outstanding payments for irrigation services.

“We, the farmer leaders, understand their situation and support them. The only thing is that we are encouraging them to speed up their payments,” he said.

The challenges were particularly severe for rice farmers, as rice is the major crop cultivated under the irrigation scheme. Abokah described the previous farming season as “very bad,” attributing the poor harvest to late planting.

“We went in late. Anytime you start late, the weather can affect your yield, or birds can destroy your farm. These were the two main challenges we faced,” he explained.

The delays also disrupted the farming calendar, which farmers are now trying to restore. Ideally, by this time of the year, transplanting should have already started, but due to the setbacks, farmers are still struggling to align with the proper schedule.

Despite these difficulties, Abokah noted that one significant improvement has been in the sale of produce. Previously, farmers faced challenges in securing buyers for their rice after harvest, but the situation has changed.

“That issue has improved. Even if you harvest today, you will find a buyer the same day,” he confirmed.

Source: A1 Radio Online | 101.1 MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga

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